Manchester United v Liverpool: Which Luis Suarez will we see?

By Ben SmithBBC Sport

When Luis Suarez steps off the Liverpool team coach at Old Trafford on Sunday he will do so to a soundtrack of derision.

The Uruguayan striker has become used to it, of course. Those close to him say he does not listen to what others think. But this is a man living his life not in a goldfish bowl, but a Marmite one - love him or hate him, everyone has their own opinion.

Suarez does not seek the limelight, slipping into the shadows as soon as his time on the field is over, but whether he likes it or not, he is once again the main talking point as Manchester United and Liverpool prepare to renew hostilities.

He once said of himself: "There are two of me, two different people", and that was never more evident than on Friday, when Sir Alex Ferguson and Brendan Rodgers, the respective managers, gave their views on the 25-year-old.

During his press conference at United's Carrington training ground on Friday morning, Ferguson was pressed repeatedly for his thoughts on the Liverpool striker, with reference to his role in Sunday's controversial FA Cup win over Mansfield.

It was a soundbite to launch a thousand headlines but the United manager's answer was not delivered as a gibe.

Ferguson, like everyone else, was expressing an honest opinion just as the Mansfield chairman and chief executive had when they accused the Liverpool striker of being a "cheat" and "stealing" the FA Cup tie away from their club at Field Mill.

It is an assessment Suarez's wife, Sofia, might have agreed with. She has often said people who make up their minds about her husband based solely on his behaviour on the field must think she is mad for ever having married him.

Ferguson may be seen as stoking the fires, or playing mind games but that certainly wasn't the impression he gave on a dank morning in west Manchester. The United manager, like the rest of us, can only go by what he sees on the field.

There is the undoubted brilliance, but since his move from Ajax in January 2011, controversy has never been far away.

Press conference analysis

TIMEKEEPING
Ferguson is a stickler for good time-keeping and having been early for his press conference for both of the past two weeks, the Manchester United manager was two minutes late on this occasion and even felt moved to comment on it as he took his seat at 9.32am sharp. Rodgers was 14 minutes late.

CLOTHING
Business as usual for Ferguson, who came in ready for training. Rodgers had just come off the training field when he sat down. Not a suit or tie in sight.

MOOD
Ferguson opened with a smile and carried the air of a man whose side are top of the league. Only once did that change and that was when he was pushed on the subject of Suarez 'that is all I have got to say about that'. Rodgers was perhaps more intense but there was a laugh and a smile when the cameras went off.

LANGUAGE
As you might expect, Rodgers was the more expressive, emotive and perhaps inspirational. Words such as pride and passion were thrown in time and again - it felt like a team-talk. Ferguson was more guarded and business-like but there was an air of confidence about everything he said.

MIND GAMES?
Rodgers gently reminded United of their woeful defensive record at home and spoke of a need to take advantage of that. Ferguson could call on history and reminded Liverpool fans it was a long road back if they are to get back on their perch.

And yet those who know Suarez away from the field describe a very private, polite, professional young man. Generous with his time and popular in the dressing room, it is an image at odds with the controversial picture so many expect.

Beyond the windows was the cold, damp murk of West Derby, but inside a well-lit room at Liverpool's Melwood training ground, Rodgers was profligate with his warmth towards Suarez.

"He carried the club for the first six months on his own. He is a player that, every single day of his life, gives everything. Some people have off days but this is a guy who is up for every game, his motivation is a high level every day in training."

"We are blessed to have someone like Luis," he added.

"You can't ask any more [from] him. I am very blessed and privileged to work with such a top player."

It was the most ringing of endorsements, as you would expect, from a manager who has consistently stood up for his player when others have not. It was the same with Kenny Dalglish, during his ill-fated second spell at Anfield.

This season, Suarez's talent has spoken for itself more often that not. "Thankfully now people are looking more at his good side," Rodgers added. "But you have to be careful because praise sometimes is the tool used to kill you later on."

Ferguson will know how Rodgers feels about Suarez. He has guided one or two lads "laden with controversy" in his time.

Eric Cantona was one such talent. Ferguson ensured his career was remembered for the brilliance and not the issues that at one stage seemed as though they would overwhelm his talent. Rodgers must now do the same with Suarez.

Away from the issue of Suarez, there were gentle reminders from both managers, hidden messages. Ferguson opened up with: "It is difficult to measure any Liverpool side at the moment with the Liverpool sides of the past."

Head to Head

Manchester United have won seven of the last eight league meetings at Old Trafford - the exception was Liverpool's 4-1 win in March 2009.

Only two of their last 24 league clashes have ended in a draw. The last one in the league at Old Trafford was back in March 2000.

Manchester United are looking to complete the Premier League double over Liverpool for the first time since 2007-08.

That was followed up with: "I think it is terrific if the Liverpool fans are prepared to be patient because it is going to require patience. It is a long road back to what they used to be."

Rodgers responded with: "It is a very proud club, Liverpool. This is a group of very proud players. You are defending more than just the football in a game like this. This is a city which is very passionate. We go into the game in a real good moment. What I am starting to see now is the courage to play and that is important when you go to one of your rivals."

He added: "United will probably be disappointed with the number of goals they have conceded at home this season and obviously with us creating a lot of opportunities in games, we are hopeful we can go and take those opportunities."

The phoney war, the mind games, the talk will grind to a halt on Sunday afternoon to allow a football match to break out. Suarez will, no doubt, figure in the post-match discussion.

I thought Webb did well today and showed a little leniency to be fair. The yellows were fair but I'm not sure anyone did enough collectively for a red.At least it was a low key game in that respect and gives everyone a break.United played better for 2 thirds of the game. Whatever way you cut it, they deserved to win. However, I am optimistic about our future. One or two things look good.

@746 All the talk of Webb being pro Utd has had it's effect. And they talk about Fergie influencing refs? With Rooney on the pitch Utd would have been 3 or 4 up by halftime. 3 points is 3 points though and its important to win against the lesser clubs. That's what wins titles!

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